Zyrtec vs. Claritin

• Are Zyrtec and Claritin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Claritin?
• What Is Zyrtec?
• What Is Claritin?
• What Drugs Interact with Zyrtec?
• What Drugs Interact with Claritin?
• How Should Zyrtec Be Taken?
• How Should Claritin Be Taken?

Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.

Both Claritin and Zyrtec are available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form.

Side effects of Claritin and Zyrtec that are similar include feeling tired, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, sore throat, stomach pain, and headache.

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tired feeling,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• nausea,
• constipation, or
• headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

• stomach pain and
• vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

Common side effects of Claritin include:

• headache,
• sleepiness,
• feeling tired,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• nervousness,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• hoarseness,
• eye redness,
• blurred vision,
• nosebleed, or
• skin rash.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Claritin including fast or uneven heart rate, feeling like you might pass out, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), or seizures (convulsions).

Zyrtec is medication that temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin is available as a generic drug.

Zyrtec may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Claritin may interact with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and acid-reducing drugs.

Adults and children 6 years and over should take one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this product.

Use only with enclosed dosing cup

• adults and children 6 years and over: 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) daily; do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (TSP) in 24 hours
• children 2 to under 6 years of age: 1 teaspoonful (TSP) daily; do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (TSP) in 24 hours
• children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor
• consumers with liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor